OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
The 2024 Board of Directors and Staff (Left to Right):
Top Row: Jack Fisher, Chair; Tina Rieman (Staff); Pam Long, Treasurer
Middle Row: Angenetta Briner; Kathy Fry-Miller, Secretary; Linda Troop (Staff)
Bottom Row: Jan Rhoades, Vice Chair; Anuj Gurung; Andy Rich
Top Row: Jack Fisher, Chair; Tina Rieman (Staff); Pam Long, Treasurer
Middle Row: Angenetta Briner; Kathy Fry-Miller, Secretary; Linda Troop (Staff)
Bottom Row: Jan Rhoades, Vice Chair; Anuj Gurung; Andy Rich
Not pictured: Kristen Short, Heather Schilling, and Hannah Branson
Jack Fisher:
Retired Elementary School Principal
Board Chair
"I am currently retired after a 38-year career in education. I am glad to be a part of this organization because I was there when ECR became a reality at the Laketon Elementary school many years ago. I recently realized that I needed to do more than just talk about ECR. I needed to be active and promote this great organization. So, I have assumed the role of Board Chairperson, and this is my way of giving back to the organization. I hope that others will heed the call to serve on the Board or to be a trained mediator. We have dedicated people who support and carry out the work of resolving conflict in our schools and in the lives of people. Only through community support can our work continue."
Jan Rhoades:
Retired Social Work Educator and Clinical Social Worker
Board Vice Chair
"I am a retired social work educator and clinical social worker. I taught students skills for active listening and reflecting back to the client thoughts and feelings they expressed. I have used those skills in therapy with clients. It is satisfying to use these skills as a mediator and in helping mediation participants to use the skills as they learn to really listen to one another and work toward finding solutions to their differences."
Kathy Fry-Miller:
Author
Retired Associate Director of Children's Disaster Services (Church of the Brethren)
Board Secretary
"I’ve worked with children in many different situations – disaster response, refugee resettlement, schools, churches, camps. I think we need children to know that they are valued, respected, and loved. With a bit of courage, they can offer that to others as well. I love the way ECR supports children, families, and caregivers to think creatively as they resolve conflicts and support each other."
Pam Long:
Accountant, Timbercrest Senior Living Community
Board Treasurer
"I have been the Treasurer for ECR since 1997 after being asked to join the board by Steve Hammer…. My duties include creating payroll for the staff and it’s accompanying bookwork including quarterly and annual reporting. I also complete the Form 990 (government filing for nonprofits) annually. I feel like my work with the ECR Board is my contribution toward a peaceful world."
Angenetta Briner:
ECR Mediator and Trainer
Trainer for 3B Exercise Program
"My vision for ECR is to become the center for all community members to reach out to in the time of need, when relationships are difficult, when there doesn’t seem to be any hope for peaceful reconciliation; and then helping them experience the healing steps that will lead to mended relationships."
Anuj Gurung:
Gladdys Muir Assistant Professor of Peace Studies, Manchester University
"Anuj Gurung was born and raised in Kathmandu, Nepal. Anuj got his M.A. in Conflict Resolution from Georgetown University, and his Ph.D. in Political Science from Kent State University. He is completing his second academic year as the Gladdys Muir Assistant Professor of Peace Studies at the Peace Studies department of Manchester University. Anuj has intervention-based experiences in the international context (working for UNHCR) as well as community-centered programs and dialogues (Akron, Ohio). Anuj teaches a range of courses, from Mediating Conflict to Migrants and Refugees at Manchester.
His professional experience has taught Anuj the incredible value of grassroots organizations such as the ECR, working hard to offer conflict resolution and problem-solving resources to the community."
Andy Rich:
Emeritus Professor of Mathematics, Manchester University
"Conflict Resolution. There is an urgent need for it in the world at large and in our local communities."
Heather Schilling:
Director of Clinical Experience and Professor of Education, Manchester University
"Heather Schilling is a lifetime resident of North Manchester. She is in her 21st year of teaching in the Henney Department of Education at Manchester University. As the Director of Clinical Experiences and a professor of education, she works to graduate teachers who use their vocations to improve the human condition. Heather has the opportunity to introduce pre-service teachers to progressive education as she woos them to be part of the educational “revolution.” As an educator of educators, Heather supports her program’s focus on inquiry-based, student-centered learning opportunities.
The work of ECR is important to Heather as an educator, and she believes the world can be a more equitable and just space if we learn to work through our disagreements in a peaceful and kind way. One of her favorite classes to teach is a senior-level class called Creating Culturally Responsive Classrooms, a class focused on creating learning communities that support the development of the whole child or young adult."
